Laughing Boy: Analysis of Major Characters
"Laughing Boy: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the nuanced relationships and cultural dynamics among the central characters in the story, set against the backdrop of Navajo life. The protagonist, Laughing Boy, embodies youthful vigor and traditional Navajo values, engaging in activities like jewelry making and horse racing while remaining largely untouched by Western influences. His romantic partner, Slim Girl, represents a bridge between cultures, having been educated in a white school but yearning to reconnect with her Indigenous roots. The interplay of their identities reveals the challenges of navigating dual cultural expectations.
Supporting characters include Jesting Squaw's son, who shares Laughing Boy's zest for life, and Two Bows, Laughing Boy's father, who serves as a model of dignity and craftsmanship. Conversely, Red Man illustrates the darker side of jealousy and revenge, particularly in response to Slim Girl's affection for Laughing Boy. The elderly Yellow Singer offers a glimpse into the fading traditions within a society influenced by external pressures, while Killed a Navajo epitomizes the struggle to uphold cultural customs. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of identity, love, and the impacts of cultural change within a reservation setting.
Laughing Boy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Oliver La Farge
First published: 1929
Genre: Novel
Locale: Arizona and New Mexico
Plot: Regional
Time: 1915
Laughing Boy, also called Sings Before Spears, a youthful, talented Navajo Indian from a Southwestern reservation. Because he has not been exposed to white society and schooling, he is known as a “blanket Indian.” His primary interests are crafting jewelry, raising sheep, and racing horses. An outdoor type, he is a man of action rather than of words. In contests with friends and foes, he is cheerful, highly competitive, and usually successful. He knows and respects tribal culture and mores and has the capacity for deep romantic love.
Slim Girl, also called Came with War, a young, beautiful, and energetic Indian woman of mixed Navajo and Apache descent. She is somewhat extroverted, highly intelligent, bold, wily, and cheerful. Having been sent to a white school as a child, she is divided between cultures in conflict. First loving and then marrying Laughing Boy, she perceives him as a means of fulfilling her dream of returning to the reservation. Having experienced unhappiness and misfortune in white culture, she learns all that she can about her Indian heritage from Laughing Boy.
Jesting Squaw's son, a young Navajo friend of Laughing Boy who shares his exuberance, high spirits, and competitive activities. Like Laughing Boy, he is a reservation or blanket Indian. His profound sense of guilt over breaking a tribal taboo reflects the degree of his dedication to Navajo culture.
Two Bows, Laughing Boy's father, a Navajo craftsman of middle age, a man of dignity, taciturnity, and reserve. A talented jewelry maker himself, he has taught the art to his son and offers him encouragement and generous praise. In large measure, he represents a masculine ideal among reservation Indians.
Red Man, a treacherous, vengeful young Navajo, an introverted and malcontent villain. His loss of Slim Girl to Laughing Boy arouses his jealous anger and spirit of revenge.
Yellow Singer, an elderly Navajo who lives on the fringe of white society and has been thoroughly corrupted by it. Although usually intoxicated, he recalls the Indian ceremonies and performs the marriage rite for Slim Girl and Laughing Boy.
Killed a Navajo, Laughing Boy's uncle, a middle-aged reservation Indian. A stickler for Indian customs, he lives in a hogan. During Laughing Boy's visit to the reservation, he attempts unsuccessfully to dissuade him from marrying Slim Girl.
Narrow Nose, an inexperienced American trading post owner who becomes an object of scorn to the Navajo. He lacks both patience and understanding; thus, the Indians' haggling, sharp dealing, and occasional thievery exasperate him.
George, an American rancher from the East who lives near the reservation. He takes Slim Girl for his mistress, not knowing that she cares only for the money he provides. Ironically, he has genuine affection for her and attempts to persuade her to adopt American ways. The relationship is broken when Laughing Boy, having discovered it, wounds him with an arrow.